A devastating explosion at a gas station in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan has left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of 35 individuals and leaving scores more injured. Russian officials have confirmed the grim toll on August 15, revealing the extent of the tragedy that unfolded, AP news reported.
Russia Health Ministry's statement reported that the explosion, which occurred on August 14 at night on the outskirts of Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, led to a subsequent fire that resulted in a staggering 115 injuries. Among these injuries, 35 individuals tragically lost their lives, including three children who were caught in the catastrophe.
The aftermath of the explosion has left 65 people injured, 16 of whom are children, still hospitalised as of midday on August 15. Eleven people, two of whom are children, are reported to be in grave condition. The incident's impact was magnified by a blaze that originated at a car repair shop and subsequently spread to a nearby gas station, culminating in the devastating blast that shook the region.
To address the aftermath and provide some solace to the affected families, Dagestan's authorities have taken steps to compensate for the losses. Families of the deceased are set to receive 1 mn rubles (approximately $10,000) each, while those who sustained injuries will be granted compensation ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 rubles (about $2,000-$4,000). For some of the more seriously wounded, Russian state media reported that they would be transported to Moscow for specialised medical treatment. The geographical distance between Makhachkala and Moscow, approximately 1,600 kilometres (990 miles), underscores the gravity of the situation.
As the investigation into the explosion unfolds, authorities have officially initiated a criminal inquiry to unravel the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The magnitude of the disaster has prompted Dagestan to declare Tuesday (August 15) as a day of mourning, offering a sombre reflection on the lives lost and the community's collective grief.
In a chilling coincidence, another explosion rocked Russia on the same night. In western Siberia, an oil mine in the Khanty-Mansiysk region experienced a blast that resulted in the death of two individuals and the injury of five others. The explosion occurred late in the evening, shedding light on the alarming recurrence of such incidents.
The explosion in Dagestan has etched itself as one of the deadliest in Russia since April 2022, when a fire engulfed a defence research facility in Tver, a city located 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of Moscow. That tragic event claimed the lives of 22 people while leaving a dozen more wounded.
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